The following studies have revealed a high prevalence rate of brain injury in offending institutions in the UK and around the world, highlighting the need for Headway to take action to ensure there is a greater understanding of brain injury within the UK’s criminal justice systems:
- The estimated prevalence of TBI in the offender population is 60.25% (Shiroma, Fergyson and Pickelsimer, 2010)
- Hospitalised Head Injury (HHI) was found in 24.7% (1,080/4,374) of prisoners and was significantly more prevalent than found in the matched general population sample (McMillan et al, 2019)
- 82% of offenders had a history of at least one TBI; 65% had a history of TBI with a loss of consciousness (Schofield et al, 2006)
Contacts
How it helps
I have a brain injury and I have been arrested for an offence
If you are a Headway Brain Injury Identity Card holder, you can call the 24-hour legal assistance helpline number, displayed on the front of the card. This number can be called to request criminal legal advice and/or representation from solicitors trained in understanding brain injury.
You can also inform the Police you are a cardholder and ask them to make a note of the effects of brain injury listed on the front of your card. The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), which covers England and Wales, Police Scotland, and the Police Service of Northern Ireland all recognise and endorse this card.
Depending on the individual effects you experience as a result of your brain injury, you may wish to request the support of an appropriate adult (AA).
An appropriate adult is there to make sure you understand what is happening. And why it is happening.
They can:
- Support you when the police ask you questions
- Help you talk to the police
- Make sure that you understand your rights
- Make sure the police behave properly and respect your rights
- Help you to get a legal adviser
I have been a victim of a crime that has caused a brain injury
Suffering a brain injury as a result of being a victim of a crime can have a life-changing impact on survivors, family members, carers and the people around them.
If you have experienced/are experiencing domestic abuse, you can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline for free 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247, live chat with the National Domestic Abuse Helpline team 3pm – 10pm Monday to Friday or fill in a contact form to request a call back from the Helpline team. The Headway Helpline also provides a free, confidential service available to anyone with a question about brain injury (9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday) Tel: 0808 800 2244
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